They're off and running!

The restart of the race happened in Fairbanks yesterday starting at about 10:00 ADT. It has been snowing and was down around zero--absolutely great conditions as far as sled dogs are concerned. In under twenty four hours the leading group of a half dozen or so are out of the second checkpoint, some 150 miles down the trail. I have not checked recently but so far I think there have been no scratches. Deedee Jonrowe is moving along really well--she was about fifth into both Nenana and Manley Hot Springs, the first two check points. Although I am rooting for Aliy to win, Deedee is a special fave of mine as well and a real heroine to me since she is sixty and a breast cancer survivor  and still just one tough little customer! She is very petite but large in spirit and courage.


It is not my photo but I had to nab it and have to share it; Aliy with Libby Riddles at the award ceremony held by Verizon in Anchorage last Friday. Libby was the first woman to win the Iditarod back in 1983 but due to an injury--I am not sure how the accident happened or exactly what it was, she sustained a bad hip injury and had to quit racing--she never had a chance to win again. But she is still an awesome woman and a huge friend to all the women who compete. She busted that ice ceiling in a big way!! Anyway, love those radiant smiles!!

Aliy is running three litter siblings in her starting team--the rule is dogs can be dropped but none added--the "Spanish" ones, Quito, Chica and Nacho. They are all great dogs. Chica is the Ginger pup group's mom and of course Quito is that super leader who can make an ordinary team fantastic just by her spirit and will. She is in swing right now, the second pair back, but when the going gets tough like out on the sea ice I bet she is in lead.  Allen in the Black team is driving about half Iditarod rookies; his job is to give them a good learning experience and I am sure he does. Several  of the dogs from his 2nd place Yukon Quest team last month are now in Aliy's Red team.

It is going to be a wild and different race this time so anything can happen but that's what makes it exciting. Hike, hike, hike!! On by!